Everything has started from my brother's proposal. At the beginning of the week he tells me that Thursday he would leave for France to participate the race La Marmotte, the most prestigious amateur bike race on transalpine soil, which involves mythical climbing as Croix de Fer (Glandon), Telegraphe , Galibier and the final Alpe d'Huez. He asks me if I want to accompany him and, after a short indecision, I accept. 
We leave Thursday afternoon, destination Les 2 Alps. We are me, my brother, his girlfriend and another couple of friends who will participate (without ambitions of victory) to the race in the Alps. 
Result of these three splendid days dedicated to cycling: two beautiful sunny days, a thrilling ride on bicycle along Tour de France's roads and as cherry on the cake my brother's victory: he managed to beat in the final a Dutch, Bert Dekker, after a hearthbreaking duel I have followed from the first to the last mile with the car.

The first day we arrive in Les 2 Alps under a huge storm but we are still optimistic for the next day: forecasts are good.

In the morning i wake up early and a blue sky greets me. Luckly i can leave with my bicycle without fear the rain. Today's program is to get to Burg d'Oians, climb Col du Glandon (1928m), col du Telegraphe (1566m) and col du Galibier (2642m), finishing my tour with the ascent to Les 2 Alps. At the and of the day i have to call to be rescued at the feet of the last climb because i'm too tired.

On saturday there is the race and i follow it with the car to support my brother. At the end he wins, fighting until the last meter with a Dutch.

After celebrating his victory on sunday i'd like to climb the mythical Alp d'Huez but the weather, gorgeous until now, has changed. I have just the time to get down and up from Les 2 Alps before the rain comes.

Luck has protected us giving us a window of sunshine in bad weather and then we get home pleased and satisfied: Tony for the victory, Claudia for skiing, I Roberto and Fernando for pedalling on mythical and beautiful roads... with mine promise to return to conquer the peaks not addressed.